The BIG3, a professional 3-on-3 summer basketball league founded by Ice Cube, has extended a jaw-dropping proposal to college basketball sensation Caitlin Clark. Meanwhile, the WNBA awaits her as the potential #1 pick in this year’s draft.
The news of Caitlin Clark, the NCAAB superstar, receiving a lucrative offer to join the Big3 – a professional 3-on-3 league featuring retired NBA stars. This unprecedented move by the Big3, co-founded by rapper and entrepreneur Ice Cube, has sparked a conversation about gender equality in professional basketball and the potential for crossover competition.
However, a recent tweet from Ice Cube (replying on a news story by TMZ) confirmed that BIG3 is looking forward to onboard Caitlin.
We intended the offer to remain private while Caitlin Clark plays for the championship. But I won’t deny what’s now already out there: BIG3 made a historic
offer to Caitlin Clark. Why wouldn’t we? Caitlin is a generational athlete who can achieve tremendous success in the BIG3. https://t.co/cwzHh7EVau— Ice Cube (@icecube) March 27, 2024
Ice Cube, known for pushing boundaries, has set his sights on Caitlin Clark. He revealed that: ‘This isn’t just about money; it’s about shifting the narrative around female athletes’ compensation. And here’s the twist—Clark can simultaneously play in the WNBA.’
During her tenure at Iowa State, Caitlin Clark has rewritten the record books. She’s a scoring phenomenon, known for her superior shooting and playmaking abilities. This season, she’s maintained an astonishing average of 31.8 points per game, along with 7.3 rebounds and 8.8 assists. Her prowess has catapulted her into the spotlight, making her a top contender for the WNBA Draft.
The WNBA has been a trailblazer for women’s sports, providing a platform for remarkable athletes. However, the financial gap remains glaring. Last year’s highest-paid player earned $242,000, a fraction of what NBA players make. Clark’s WNBA deal would likely surpass that, but it still falls short of the BIG3’s unprecedented offer.
Ice Cube’s Vision
Ice Cube isn’t just about basketball; it’s about breaking barriers. He proudly points to Nancy Lieberman, the first female coach of a men’s pro team, who won the championship in her first year. Lisa Leslie followed suit, winning it all in year two. Now, he sees Caitlin Clark as a chance to further break down barriers for women athletes.
Caitlin Clark faces a monumental choice. The BIG3 promises exposure, financial rewards, and the chance to play alongside male counterparts. On the other hand, the WNBA beckons—a league with its own legacy and a platform for women’s basketball.
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